sc inc- single crochet increase (crochet two stitches in the same stitch)

sc dec- single crochet decrease (crochet two stitches together)

blo- back loop only

The cactus is worked amigurumi style- worked in rounds from the top down. The arms are made separately and then stitched into position. Don’t join rounds but mark the beginning of each round with a stitch marker or scrap of yarn.

Any yarn can be substituted but you will need to change the hook size accordingly. For example if working with 8ply yarn use a 3.5mm hook.

Cactus trunk:

Round 1. Ch 2, work 6sc into first chain. (6)

Round 2. (sc inc) 6 times. (12)

Round 3. (sc inc, 1sc) 6 times. (18)

Round 4. (sc inc, 2sc) 6 times. (24)

Round 5- 18. Sc around. (24)

Round 19. (sc inc, 7sc) 3 times. (27)

Rounds 20- 24. Sc around. (27)

Round 25. (sc inc, 8sc) 3 times. (30)

Rounds 26- 30. Sc around. (30)

Round 31. (sc inc, 9sc) 3 times. (33)

Rounds 32-36. Sc around. (33)

Stuff cactus firmly with Fibrefill at this stage, leaving it a little softer near the base.